The Charter in Action

An interview with Jo Dixon, Volunteer Coordinator, Lifeline Tasmania…

What services does Lifeline Tasmania offer?
Together, our team of dedicated staff and more than 400 volunteers share a common vision:

A Tasmania free of suicide, where everyone meets challenges with strength and optimism.

  • We work throughout the entire state of Tasmania delivering suicide prevention and postvention programs, including:
  • 24/7 telephone crisis support via our 13 11 14 crisis line
  • Support after suicide to anyone bereaved or impacted by suicide
  • Suicide Bereavement Groups
  • Social support programs to improve the lives of older people who are isolated and lonely
  • Community education and training programs in suicide prevention, mental health and recognising domestic violence
  • Suicide related clinical supervision and critical incident debriefing.

What are your reasons for signing the Charter as an organisation?
Lifeline Tasmania is proud to have been involved in the development of the Charter. By being an organisational signatory of the charter it enhances and supports the work that we do in the community to deliver programs and services that save lives and build emotional wellbeing and resilience. Management along with other members of Lifeline Tasmania have committed to signing the charter.

What do you feel are some of the challenges involved in communicating about mental health and suicide prevention? 
For individuals to be able to communicate openly, without fear of stigmatisation, judgement or misunderstanding. Education is the key, in schools, workplaces, colleges and Universities.

What do you feel are some of the most important key messages within the Charter that can support community literacy around mental health and suicide prevention?

  • Mental health and wellbeing is important and vital to everyone.
  • It is important that we all work together to use a positive, person-centred and respectful language.
  • It is important to work together to deliver clear, consistent and coordinated community awareness and advocacy activities.
  • The importance of sharing knowledge about best practice, communication and resources.
  • The importance of working together to keep mental health and suicide prevention prominent in the national conversation and amplify each other’s effort

What activities have you implemented / are planning to implement in relation to the Charter?
As part of the induction process of our new volunteers, the volunteers are informed about our organisational vision and mission as well as our essential programs and services; and, the delivery of those with a respectful and common language around mental health and suicide. New volunteers are encouraged as part of the induction process to read the charter and become signatories.